new GRANT OPPORTUNITY!!

There is a wonderful grant opportunity that would foster a partnership between your Family Nature Club and your local AZA accredited zoo/aquarium! The application will have to be submitted by the zoo or aquarium, but will be looked favorably upon in partnership with YOU!

Here are the details; let me know if you have any questions! Good luck!

Grant Opportunity: Nature Play Begins in Your Zoo/Aquarium

“Nature Play Begins at Your Zoo & Aquarium” is a new collaboration between AZA and The Walt Disney Company that provides financial, logistical, and creative support for organizations and individuals seeking to increase or enhance family-centered nature experiences in their communities. As part of this initiative, AZA is offering a grant opportunity for accredited zoos and aquariums to expand their nature play programming and to create innovative ways to connect families to nature.

Free play immersed in an outdoor setting is fundamental to connecting children with the natural world around them. The value of these experiences is further reinforced when shared as a family unit. With support from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, awards of $5,000 or $10,000 are available to extend existing family-based nature play programming or to create new, innovative, and engaging programs.

Any AZA-accredited institution is eligible to receive funding. Limit one application per accredited institution. Learn more and download the application: http://www.aza.org/educator-resources. Direct questions and send completed submissions to scholarships@aza.org by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on May 30, 2014.

Accredited zoos and aquariums are gateways through which millions of people learn about and value the rich diversity of life that is humankind’s wildlife heritage. AZA and The Walt Disney Company invite you to participate in a joint mission to build lifelong conservation values in our nation’s youth. Thank you and good luck! We look forward to you being a part of a world-wide effort to connect families to nature.